{"id":574,"date":"2026-08-20T17:08:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/?post_type=glossary&#038;p=574"},"modified":"2026-08-28T11:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T09:45:19","slug":"age-spots","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/glossar\/altersflecken\/","title":{"rendered":"Age spots"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They usually start to appear from the age of 40 and are, for many people, the first visible sign of ageing: age spots. These brownish patches on the hands, face or d\u00e9colletage are generally harmless, but are often perceived as a cosmetic nuisance. But before considering removal, one question takes precedence over all others: Is the spot really harmless? And which method is the safest and most effective way to remove it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview. We explain what age spots are, why a medical assessment is the absolutely most important first step, and compare the professional treatment methods that will really help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#was-sind-altersflecken-lentigines-solares\">What are age spots (solar lentigines)?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#der-wichtigste-erste-schritt-die-arztliche-diagnose\">The most important first step: the medical diagnosis<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#pravention-wie-sie-neuen-altersflecken-vorbeugen\">Prevention: How to prevent new age spots<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#professionelle-entfernung-die-3-besten-methoden-im-vergleich\">Professional removal: A comparison of the 3 best methods<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#die-methoden-im-detail-laser-ipl-und-chemisches-peeling\">The methods in detail: laser, IPL and chemical peels<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#risiken-und-die-wichtigkeit-der-folgekostenversicherung\">Risks and the importance of follow-up costs insurance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zu-altersflecken\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about age spots<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken.png\" alt=\"Age spots are treated\" class=\"wp-image-394 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken.png 1024w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-120x120.png 120w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-40x40.png 40w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-160x160.png 160w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-1000x1000.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-sind-altersflecken-lentigines-solares\">What are age spots (solar lentigines)?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Age spots<\/strong> (medical: <em>Age spots<\/em> or, to put it more accurately <em>Sunspots<\/em>) are benign, sharply defined pigmented patches on the skin.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are caused by chronic exposure to UV radiation over a period of decades. This leads to a localised proliferation of melanin-producing cells and pigments, which accumulate in the epidermis and become visible as brown spots.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-anchor-light-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"der-wichtigste-erste-schritt-die-arztliche-diagnose\">The most important first step: the medical diagnosis<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you even consider cosmetic removal, this step is essential and non-negotiable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safety first: see a dermatologist first!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A layperson cannot reliably distinguish a harmless age spot from an early-stage malignant melanoma (black skin cancer). Any new or changing pigmentation, or any that is irregularly shaped or coloured, must be examined by a dermatologist. To do this, the doctor uses a special reflected-light microscope (dermatoscope) to assess the structure of the spot and rule out malignancy with certainty. Only once the specialist has given the all-clear should cosmetic treatment be considered.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about the medical background to various types of <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/glossary\/pigmentstoerung\/\">Pigment disorders<\/a> Find out more in our main article.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pravention-wie-sie-neuen-altersflecken-vorbeugen\">Prevention: How to prevent new age spots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best treatment is prevention. As age spots are a direct result of sun damage, consistent sun protection is by far the most effective measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bb0cbca6 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Daily sun protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use a broad-spectrum sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30, or preferably 50) all year round on all exposed areas of skin, such as the face, neck, d\u00e9colletage and the backs of your hands.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Avoid strong sunlight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid the midday sun and take extra care to protect yourself by wearing suitable clothing and a hat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"professionelle-entfernung-die-3-besten-methoden-im-vergleich\">Professional removal: A comparison of the 3 best methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once a dermatologist has confirmed that the spots are harmless, there are several effective methods of removal. All three procedures mentioned here are suitable for treating age spots, but each has its own advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Characteristic<\/th><th>Laser therapy<\/th><th>IPL technology<\/th><th>Chemical peel<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Mechanism of action<\/td><td>High-energy light of a single wavelength<\/td><td>Broadband spectrum light<\/td><td>Chemical solution (acid)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Precision<\/td><td>Very high: highly precise treatment of individual stains<\/td><td>Method: Treatment of larger, extensive areas<\/td><td>Minor: extensive abrasion of the skin<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Effectiveness<\/td><td>Very high; often only 1\u20132 sessions are needed<\/td><td>High; 2\u20134 sessions are usually required<\/td><td>That\u2019s all well and good, but several sessions will be necessary<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ideal for<\/td><td>Clearly defined, isolated, dark patches<\/td><td>Extensive redness and pigmentation<\/td><td>General improvement in skin appearance and fine lines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Costs<\/td><td>Medium to high<\/td><td>Medium<\/td><td>Low to medium<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"die-methoden-im-detail-laser-ipl-und-chemisches-peeling\">The methods in detail: laser, IPL and chemical peels<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Laser therapy (e.g. ruby and alexandrite lasers):<\/strong> This is the gold standard for treating individual, clearly defined age spots. The laser beam can be directed at the spot with millimetre precision. It emits a short, high-energy light pulse which is selectively absorbed by the melanin in the age spot and converted into heat. This heat \u201ebreaks up\u201c the pigment clumps without damaging the surrounding, lighter skin. The broken-up pigment particles are cleared away by the immune system. After the treatment, a small scab forms, which falls off on its own after 5\u201310 days.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):<\/strong> IPL technology is ideal if you have several scattered age spots and possibly also sun-induced redness or fine broken capillaries across a larger area (e.g. the whole face, d\u00e9collet\u00e9). The device emits light pulses across a broad wavelength spectrum, thereby treating a larger area than a laser. The light is also absorbed by the melanin in the age spots, causing them to break down. Several sessions are usually required to achieve the best possible results.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"937\" src=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung.png\" alt=\"Age spots are treated at a GP\u2019s surgery\" class=\"wp-image-393 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung.png 1024w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung-300x275.png 300w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung-768x703.png 768w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung-13x12.png 13w, https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-02_altersflecken-behandlung-40x37.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical peel:<\/strong> Also <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/glossary\/tca-peel\/\">TCA peel<\/a> known as. In this procedure, an acid (e.g. trichloroacetic acid, TCA) is applied to the skin to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin in a controlled manner. Along with the old skin cells, the pigment deposits are also removed. This method is less precise and is particularly suitable when, in addition to age spots, a general improvement in the skin\u2019s appearance is desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiken-und-die-wichtigkeit-der-folgekostenversicherung\">Risks and the importance of follow-up costs insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although these procedures are very safe when carried out by professionals, there are risks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pigment changes:<\/strong> The treated area may become lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infections:<\/strong> Particularly after laser or chemical peel treatments, when scabs form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scarring:<\/strong> Very rare, but possible in the event of improper treatment or poor wound healing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Should a complication arise that requires treatment, the costs of rectifying it often have to be borne by the patient. Insurance taken out prior to the procedure <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\">Consequential Costs Insurance<\/a> can provide important financial security here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zu-altersflecken\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about age spots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Can age spots disappear on their own?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age spots do not usually disappear on their own and are considered a permanent skin change, although their intensity may vary slightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Does laser treatment hurt?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The light pulses are often described as a brief, hot prick or like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The treatment is brief and is generally well tolerated without the need for anaesthetic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Is the result of the removal permanent?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, an age spot that has been successfully removed does not usually reappear in the same place, but new spots may develop in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How much does it cost to remove age spots?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The costs vary considerably. A laser or IPL session to treat a few spots starts at around \u20ac80\u2013200. Treatments covering larger areas are more expensive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Which parts of the body can be treated?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In principle, all of them. The most common areas treated are the face, the backs of the hands, the forearms and the d\u00e9collet\u00e9.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Age spots are brownish patches on the hands, face or d\u00e9collet\u00e9 that usually appear from the age of 40 onwards and are generally harmless.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-574","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/574","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty-website-stage.247grad.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}